Australia’s openers survived a vicious opening burst from India’s pacers after they had bowled India out for 283 to finish the second session on the third day with a solid lead. They ended the session at 33/0, with a lead of 76, and all ten wickets still intact – although Aaron Finch retired hurt with a blow to his finger late on.
The scorecard might seem like the hosts were unscathed, but India’s pacers bowled with great vigour and penetration. Jasprit Bumrah smashed Marcus Harris on the helmet with a searing bouncer, while Ishant Sharma should have had both the openers caught behind. The first one saw Rishabh Pant move to the wrong side, leaving Cheteshwar Pujara making a late dive to his right and thus grassing the chance, while a short ball a little later had Aaron Finch gloving behind, but again, Pant was late with his movement.
After the initial jitters, Australia came back stronger. Finch hit three boundaries in quick succession to help Australia’s lead reach 75, while Harris was content dropping anchor.
Earlier, Australia wrapped up the remaining three Indian wickets with Nathan Lyon taking all three to finish with figures of 5 for 67. It meant India had lost their last seven wickets for 110 runs. Ishant was the first to depart, driving a length delivery straight back to Lyon. Umesh Yadav hung around gallantly, while Pant smashed Lyon for a four and a massive six. He went for an encore, and holed out to Starc on 36. Bumrah was the last to go, edging the offie to the ‘keeper, after cracking a four over the bowler’s head.
Finch was taken off the field with a finger injury late in the session, retiring hurt on 25 off 30 balls.